Former dean to stand trial for cyber harassment

A FORMER dean of the school of law at the University of PNG will be tried in the National Court on a charge of cyber harassment.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar of the Committal Court in Waigani told Dr Mange Matui, 44, from Angoram, East Sepik, that there was sufficient evidence to commit him to trial.
Magistrate Bidar however, dropped the charge of abuse of office against Matui because of insufficient evidence.
“The evidence does not make out a case of abuse of office,” Bidar said.
“Abuse of office involves something more than that.
“It involves benefit.
“But there is sufficient evidence of cyber harassment.” It was alleged that between June 19, 2015 and Oct 21, 2017, Matui was employed as the executive dean of the School of Law and pro vice-chancellor of UPNG.
It was alleged that he requested to have sex with a female university employee on the condition that she would be provided accommodation on campus.
It is alleged that on Oct 21, 2017, Matui intentionally sent intimidating and harassing text messages to the woman which caused her emotional distress.
Matui has been given two weeks to appeal the court’s decision.
The case will be recalled on Nov 7.